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Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, don’t sell it,

Also, wisdom, discipline and discernment.

This morning I ran across this scripture and pondered it for a while. I also looked it up in Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible. As a Christian writer, I wanted to make sure I understood what God meant. The name of our ministry is Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:14-16) and the name of this blog is Truth in the Morning…so, speaking the truth as I understand what God is teaching me is a priority. The word ‘truth’ literally jumps off pages at me.

Ephesians 4:14-16 (Complete Jewish Bible) says: We will then no longer be infants tossed about by the waves and blown along by every wind of teaching, at the mercy of people clever in devising ways to deceive. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in every respect grow up into him who is the head, the Messiah. Under his control, the whole body is being fitted and held together by the support of every joint, with each part working to fulfill its function; this is how the body grows and builds itself up in love.

It was that scripture above that God used to name, direct and instruct us in the ministry He planned for my Honey and me. We are to speak the truth in love in teaching, sharing and growing the body of believers. It’s not always a popular position to hold but it is the position He gave us, so we will strive to hold on to it in truth.

So, when I read in Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, don’t sell it, also wisdom, discipline and discernment….I want to know that I know that I know what God is saying!

The commentary says this about 23:23…..

Buy the truth, and sell it not; be willing to part with any thing for it. Do not part with it for pleasures, honors, riches, or any thing in this world.

How does one go about “buying” truth, wisdom, discipline and discernment? The commentary says we are to be willing to part with anything to obtain them. It stands to reason that….as a man’s money goes, so goes his heart….let’s face it, people will spend money on the things they value…..for some it may be a new car every few years, a fancier house, stylish clothes, the latest ‘big boy toy’, vacations or bigger ‘bling’ (jewelry). So, if we look at our personal finances, a quick review will show where our money goes….any of it going to acquire truth, wisdom, disciple or discernment? We are, of course, talking about godly truth, wisdom, discipline and discernment….not that of the world. The exchange rate need not be in dollars alone, how much time, effort and perseverance have we invested in such pursuits? This is not a pop quiz, you do not have to turn in your answers….but you know….and He knows…..and the fruit of your labor shows.

The second part of the scripture and commentary is devoted to NOT selling them; not exchanging them for pleasure, honors, riches or any thing in this world. Do not sell out what you know to be godly truth, wisdom, discipline and discernment for the appetites of the flesh. Pleasures of the flesh are fleeting, honors bestowed by the world are quickly taken away or forgotten and worldly riches can fluctuate with whim of man, governments and principalities. Just saying the name Madoff is enough to make my point…..

In conclusion let me say this one scripture makes no bones about it. We are to be willing to sacrifice everything for them and hang on to them above anything else. I’d say in God’s economics…that makes them extremely valuable; gold nuggets worthy of pursuit.

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, don’t sell it, Also, wisdom, discipline and discernment.